What are Plyometrics?

When a concentric contraction occurs (muscle shortens) immediately following an eccentric contraction (muscle lengthens) then the force generated can be dramatically increased. If a muscle is stretched, much of the energy required to stretch it is lost as heat, but some of this energy can be stored by the elastic components of the muscle. This stored energy is available to the muscle only during a subsequent contraction. It is important to realize that this energy boost is lost if the eccentric contraction is not followed immediately by a concentric effort. (This means you can’t effectively jump from a squatted position) To express this greater force, the muscle must contract within the shortest time possible. This whole process is frequently called the stretch shortening cycle and is the underlying mechanism of plyometric training.

Methods

The golden rule of any conditioning program is specificity. This means that the movement you perform in training should match, as closely as possible, the movements encountered during competition. Adding a few explosive movements into your program can accomplish this.

Improper plyometric training can cause serious injury. Before implementing them into your regimen, seek the advice of a certified strength and conditioning specialist to maximize your individual results and reduce potential injury. Call our team at Athletic Advantage or checkout and sign up for an Athletic Profile today to accelerate your training and performance to the next level.

Don’t delay your physical preparation because somewhere someone else is training, and when you meet, they will win. Avoid this by starting today.